Non-denominational Illustrations
Biblical simplicity, contemporary relevance, practical application.
Key question: “What is the plain meaning and practical application of this text?”
16579 illustrations found
On This Day: World War I: Radoje Ljutovac becomes the first soldier in history to shoot down... (1915)
On September 30, 1915: World War I: Radoje Ljutovac becomes the first soldier in history to shoot down an enemy aircraft with ground-to-air fire. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon
On This Day: War of the Austrian Succession: France and Spain defeat Sardinia at the Battle... (1744)
On September 30, 1744: War of the Austrian Succession: France and Spain defeat Sardinia at the Battle of Madonna dell'Olmo, but soon have to withdraw from Sardinia. This historical event can serve as
On This Day: Lebanese Civil War: The first troops of a multinational force lands in Beirut to... (1982)
On August 21, 1982: Lebanese Civil War: The first troops of a multinational force lands in Beirut to oversee the Palestine Liberation Organization's withdrawal from Lebanon. This historical event can
On This Day: John Roberts is confirmed as Chief Justice of the United States. (2005)
On September 29, 2005: John Roberts is confirmed as Chief Justice of the United States. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousne
On This Day: Battle of Morlaix is fought in the Hundred Years' War. (1342)
On September 30, 1342: Battle of Morlaix is fought in the Hundred Years' War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Cons
On This Day: Michael Collins, Commander-in-chief of the Irish Free State Army, is shot dead... (1922)
On August 22, 1922: Michael Collins, Commander-in-chief of the Irish Free State Army, is shot dead in an ambush during the Irish Civil War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illust
On This Day: Point No Point Treaty is signed in Washington Territory. (1855)
On January 26, 1855: Point No Point Treaty is signed in Washington Territory. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the pursuit of peace in a broken world. Consider
On This Day: Henry IV is proclaimed king of England. (1399)
On September 30, 1399: Henry IV is proclaimed king of England. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preachin
On This Day: Japan establishes diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after... (1972)
On September 29, 1972: Japan establishes diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after breaking official ties with the Republic of China. This historical event can serve as a powerfu
On This Day: James Anderson Jr. posthumously receives the first Medal of Honor to be awarded... (1968)
On August 21, 1968: James Anderson Jr. posthumously receives the first Medal of Honor to be awarded to an African American U.S. Marine. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustrati
On This Day: Last day of the Battle of Boquerón between Paraguay and Bolivia during the Chaco... (1932)
On September 29, 1932: Last day of the Battle of Boquerón between Paraguay and Bolivia during the Chaco War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thro
On This Day: World War I: The Hindenburg Line is broken by an Allied attack. (1918)
On September 29, 1918: World War I: The Hindenburg Line is broken by an Allied attack. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of his
On This Day: Beatrix is inaugurated as Queen of the Netherlands following the abdication of... (1980)
On April 30, 1980: Beatrix is inaugurated as Queen of the Netherlands following the abdication of Juliana. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and
On This Day: World War I: Germany's Supreme Army Command tells Kaiser Wilhelm II and... (1918)
On September 29, 1918: World War I: Germany's Supreme Army Command tells Kaiser Wilhelm II and Imperial Chancellor Georg Michaelis to open negotiations for an armistice to end the war. This historic
On This Day: The cornerstone is laid at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul... (1907)
On September 29, 1907: The cornerstone is laid at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (better known as Washington National Cathedral) in Washington, D.C. This historical event can serv
On This Day: Crusader-Fatimid wars: The fortress of Ascalon was surrendered by Fatimid Egypt... (1153)
On August 22, 1153: Crusader-Fatimid wars: The fortress of Ascalon was surrendered by Fatimid Egypt to an army of crusaders, Templars, and Hospitallers led by King Baldwin III of Jerusalem. This hist
On This Day: The Battle of Chaffin's Farm is fought in the American Civil War. (1864)
On September 29, 1864: The Battle of Chaffin's Farm is fought in the American Civil War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of hi
On This Day: During the French War of Religion, Protestant coup officials in Nîmes massacre... (1567)
On September 29, 1567: During the French War of Religion, Protestant coup officials in Nîmes massacre Catholic priests in an event now known as the Michelade. This historical event can serve as a pow
On This Day: World War II: Fascist Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom,... (1940)
On June 10, 1940: World War II: Fascist Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom, beginning an invasion of southern France. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustratio
On This Day: Pope Leo XIII publishes the encyclical Humanum genus, condemning Freemasonry. (1884)
On April 20, 1884: Pope Leo XIII publishes the encyclical Humanum genus, condemning Freemasonry. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and libera
On This Day: The Indian National Congress declares 26 January as Independence Day or as the... (1930)
On January 26, 1930: The Indian National Congress declares 26 January as Independence Day or as the day for Poorna Swaraj ("Complete Independence") which occurred 17 years later. This historical even
On This Day: American Revolutionary War: Henry Knox's "noble train of artillery" arrives in... (1776)
On January 27, 1776: American Revolutionary War: Henry Knox's "noble train of artillery" arrives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about h
On This Day: The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Peter... (1724)
On January 28, 1724: The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Peter the Great, and implemented by Senate decree. It is called the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences unt
On This Day: The Treaty of Montgomery recognises Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales, but... (1267)
On September 29, 1267: The Treaty of Montgomery recognises Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales, but only as a vassal of King Henry III. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illust